Whether you’re staying in Louisville or looking for a weekend getaway, the Cardinal scoped out the best things to do over fall break:
St. James Art Fair
The St. James Art Fair is back, celebrating its 59th display on one of the most popular blocks in all of Louisville. About a mile away from campus, the fair runs Oct. 2-4, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Attracting over 200,000 people and being a temporary home for over 750 art vendors, it’s the free event U of L students look forward to every fall. Not only will tents and booths be side-by-side on the Victorian street, but Central Park (adjacent from St. James Court) will be alive with live music and a number of U of L affiliated organizations, like U of L’s Department of Theater Arts, Speed Art Museum, Louisville Chorus and Kentucky Shakespeare.
The Floyd Theater
On Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 the Student Activities Board will show the sequel “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation,” starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Alec Baldwin. It’s free with a student ID at the 5 p.m. showing, and at 8 p.m. it’s $1.50 with a student ID. Other cheap movie deals include $5 Tuesdays at St. Matthews Cinemark Theatre or $2 Tuesdays and $3 Thursdays at Village 8 Theatre on Bardstown Road.
Nickota Motorsports Park
373 Buck Run Rd., Bedford, KY
More than 700 students will be at this location on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. The U of L chapter of Society of Automotive Engineers are hosting the event and are expecting 50 American and Canadian universities to be represented. Three U of L teams consisting of 25 Speed School students entered in the contest using previously qualified competition vehicles. The students raise funds for, design, manage, build, test, promote and drive their vehicles. If you can’t make it out to Bedford for the day long event, no worries—there is a live stream broadcast on Youtube from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Check out their official website at ULMidnightMayhem.com.
North Carolina State v. University of Louisville
Even though it’s an away game, you should watch it! Some of the best game day spots include Griff’s located on the Cardinal Towne strip and Overtime next to the Jim Patterson Stadium. If you’re feeling really swanky, try Champion’s Sports Restaurant and Bar located downtown at 280 West Jefferson St.
Louder Than Life
If you’ve been trying to channel your inner angst since school started, this might be your opportunity. While a bit on the pricey side (tickets start at $100 for a two day pass), it’s definitely worth going to this metal rock music festival over fall break. Starting lineups include Rob Zombie, ZZ Top, Godsmack, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. For more information visit louderthanlifefestival.com.
Lexington, KY
Distance: 80 miles east, 1 hour 20 minute drive
Besides being Louisville’s rival, Lexington is also known as the horse capital of the world. During the fall season you can experience first class thoroughbred racing at Keeneland. If horses are not your scene, check out Shaker Village: an inn that sits on a 3,000 acre lot and is always buzzing with activity. Every week the village hosts different events ranging from yoga classes, garden suppers, glow hikes and fall festivals. For some good Southern comfort food, have a meal at the local Windy Corner Market. The restaurant puts a spin on old classics, making for a unique dining experience. On the drive to Lexington, follow the Bourbon Trail. Beginning in downtown Louisville, the trail includes nine distilleries. This may be too many to visit for one drive, but you can definitely cross a few off the list. With all the fun Lexington has to offer, it is definitely worth a Saturday trip.
Cincinnati, OH
Distance: 99 miles northeast, 1 hour 30 minute drive
Home of the Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals, this city is a short drive for a lot of fun. Even though baseball season has come to an end, the Reds Hall of Fame Museum is open and sometimes hosts player appearances. If you can’t get tickets to a game or tour the Paul Brown Stadium, there are still plenty of bars to watch games. The Eagle Food and Beer Hall, which has a collection of over 100 craft beers, is a tourist favorite. Just try not to be overwhelmed when choosing a drink. Offering more than sports, Cincinnati also has the second oldest zoo in the United States. Just across the river in Kentucky, the Newport Aquarium has over 70 exhibits and five seamless tunnels for amazing views of animals.
Cave City, KY
Distance: 85 miles south, 1 hour 30 minute drive
This location is for the adventure-spirited person. Cave City is known for underground caves and zip lining. Also here is Wigwam Village, one of the three remaining villages of the original seven in the United States. Guests are allowed to spend the night in these authentic American-style teepees. There is also Dinosaur World for anyone who wants to go back in time to the prehistoric period.
Red River Gorge, KY
Distance: 140 miles east, 2 hour 30 minute drive
The Gorge is a college staple in the summer time, but it’s not be undermined in the fall either. Located on the Red River, you can do more than hike to Natural Bridge. Visitors can climb cliffs, explore rock shelters and see the waterfalls. Beautiful scenic trails and various campgrounds are available for those who wish to spend a whole weekend exploring. Working up an appetite is bound to happen so don’t forget to stop by the popular go-to spot, Miguel’s Pizza.
Cumberland Falls State Park, KY
Distance: 178 miles, 3 hour drive
Known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is the ultimate waterfall scene in Kentucky. Many visitors describe it as a hiker’s paradise. When you reach the waterfall, be sure to look for the lunar rainbow or “moon bow” that appears at the base of the falls. There are other activities listed on their website, such as daily guided horseback trail rides and fishing. Those wishing for a weekend getaway can reserve a cabin.
